GOODWELL, Okla. – The Oklahoma Panhandle State University Aggie women's basketball team opened their 2024-25 season dramatically, narrowly falling to York University with a final score of 63-61 in a game that came down to the last moments. Despite a hard-fought effort, the Aggies could not overcome a second-quarter slump and missed free throws, resulting in a tough loss to begin their season.

The game was a rollercoaster, with OPSU jumping to a 16-14 lead after the first quarter. York responded in the second quarter with a 22-point run, taking control with a halftime lead of 36-25. The Aggies rallied back in the second half, outscoring York in both the third and fourth quarters, but their comeback fell just short.

Sophomore Zamari Reece led the Aggies with 17 points, displaying her versatility with 9-for-13 from the free-throw line and a solid defensive presence with two steals. Lyric Carpenter added 11 points, making key shots to keep OPSU within reach, while Diana Santos contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, providing a solid foundation on both ends of the court. Mariah Gardner also made her mark, scoring 12 points off the bench, including two clutch three-pointers.

Head Coach Wiltzius acknowledged the team's youthful energy and determination but highlighted areas for growth. "We are a young team right now, so they just know to play hard, which is great," Wiltzius said. "But we need to fine-tune that a little bit. The second quarter is what killed us. We won the second half, but it came down to our free throws. We can control free throws, and we need to improve on that before our next game."

The Aggies shot 13-for-21 from the free-throw line, a factor Coach Wiltzius noted as crucial in close games. York University's balanced attack ultimately allowed them to edge out the win, with a 17-point fourth quarter to seal it.

Upcoming
The Aggies look to bounce back on November 6, 2024, as they take on Northern New Mexico College in Plainview, TX.